What is this medicine?

DROSPIRENONE; ETHINYL ESTRADIOL (dro SPY re nown; ETH in il es tra DYE ole) is an oral contraceptive (birth control pill). This medicine combines two types of female hormones, an estrogen and a progestin. It is used to prevent ovulation and pregnancy.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have or ever had any of these conditions:

abnormal vaginal bleeding

adrenal gland disease

blood vessel disease or blood clots

breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, liver, or uterine cancer

diabetes

gallbladder disease

heart disease or recent heart attack

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

high potassium level

kidney disease

liver disease

migraine headaches

stroke

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

tobacco smoker

an unusual or allergic reaction to estrogens, progestins, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. To reduce nausea, this medicine may be taken with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine at the same time each day and in the order directed on the package. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A patient package insert for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine has been used in female children who have started having menstrual periods.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, refer to the patient information sheet you received with your medicine for direction. If you miss more than one pill, this medicine may not be as effective and you may need to use another form of birth control.

What may interact with this medicine?

acetaminophen

antibiotics or medicines for infections, especially rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, and griseofulvin, and possibly penicillins or tetracyclines

aprepitant

ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

atorvastatin

barbiturate medicines, such as phenobarbital

bosentan

carbamazepine

caffeine

clofibrate

cyclosporine

dantrolene

doxercalciferol

felbamate

grapefruit juice

hydrocortisone

medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

medicines for diabetes, including pioglitazone

mineral oil

modafinil

mycophenolate

nefazodone

oxcarbazepine

phenytoin

prednisolone

ritonavir or other medicines for HIV infection or AIDS

rosuvastatin

selegiline

soy isoflavones supplements

St. John's wort

tamoxifen or raloxifene

theophylline

thyroid hormones

topiramate

warfarin

This product is different from other birth control pills because it contains the progestin drospirenone. Drospirenone may increase potassium levels. Interactions with other drugs may increase the chance of an elevated potassium level. You may need blood tests to check your potassium level. Drugs that can increase the potassium level include:

certain medications for high blood pressure or heart conditions (examples include ACE-inhibitors and also Angiotensin-II receptor blockers, and Eplerenone

dietary salt substitutes (these may contain potassium)

heparin

NSAIDs (antiinflammatory drugs), if they are taken long-term and daily, like for arthritis

potassium supplements

some 'water pills' (diuretics like amiloride, spironolactone or triamterene)